Energy, even like the Biblical grain of mustard-seed, will move mountains.
—Hosea Ballou (1771–1852) American Universalist Clergyman, Writer
The mathematics of high achievement—
Begin with a dream.
DIVIDE the problems and conquer them one by one.
MULTIPLY the exciting possibilities in your mind.
SUBTRACT all the negative thoughts to get started.
ADD enthusiasm and determination.
And the RESULT will be the attainment of your goal.
—Anonymous
Our passions are ourselves.
—Anatole France (1844–1924) French Novelist
You don’t have to suffer to be a poet. Adolescence is enough suffering for anyone.
—John Ciardi (1916–86) American Poet, Teacher, Etymologist, Translator
For every sale you miss because you’re too enthusiastic, you will miss a hundred because you’re not enthusiastic enough.
—Zig Ziglar (b.1926) American Author, Motivational Speaker, Author
Never let your zeal outrun your charity. The former is but human, the latter is divine.
—Hosea Ballou (1771–1852) American Universalist Clergyman, Writer
Morale is the greatest single factor in successful wars.
—Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890–1969) American Head of State, Military Leader
A man can succeed at almost anything for which he has unlimited enthusiasm.
—Charles M. Schwab (1862–1939) American Businessperson
No person is ever good for much, that hasn’t been swept off their feet by enthusiasm between ages twenty and thirty.
—James Anthony Froude (1818–94) British Historian, Novelist, Biographer, Editor
Enthusiasm is a vital element toward the individual success of every man or woman.
—Conrad Hilton (1887–1979) American Business Person
I prefer the errors of enthusiasm to the indifference of wisdom.
—Anatole France (1844–1924) French Novelist
If you aren’t fired with enthusiasm, you’ll be fired with enthusiasm.
—Vince Lombardi (1913–70) American Sportsperson
Enthusiasm can only be aroused by two things: first, an ideal which takes the imagination by storm, and second, a definite, intelligible plan for carrying that ideal into practice.
—Arnold J. Toynbee (1889–1975) British Historian
It is fatal to enter any war without the will to win it.
—Douglas MacArthur (1880–1964) American Military Leader
Act enthusiastic and you will be enthusiastic.
—Dale Carnegie (1888–1955) American Author, Motivational Speaker, Public Speaker
Experience shows that success is due less to ability than to zeal. The winner is he who gives himself to his work, body and soul.
—Sir Thomas Buxton, 1st Baronet (1786–1845) English Politician, Social Reformer
What is man but his passion?
—Robert Penn Warren (1905–89) American Poet, Novelist, Literary Critic
A mother should give her children a superabundance of enthusiasm, that after they have lost all they are sure to lose on mixing with the world, enough may still remain to prompt and support them through great actions.
—Julius Charles Hare (1795–1855) English Theologian, Writer
Be still when you have nothing to say; when genuine passion moves you, say what you’ve got to say, and say it hot.
—D. H. Lawrence (1885–1930) English Novelist, Playwright, Poet, Essayist, Literary Critic
Whatever course you have chosen for yourself, it will not be a chore but an adventure if you bring to it a sense of the glory of striving, if your sights are set far above the merely secure and mediocre.
—David Sarnoff (1891–1971) American Sportsperson, Businessperson
You see me in my most virile moment when you see me doing what I do. When I am directing, a special energy comes upon me … It is only when I am doing my work that I feel truly alive. It is like having sex.
—Federico Fellini (1920–93) Italian Film Director
It is the greatest shot of adrenaline to be doing what you’ve wanted to do so badly. You almost feel like you could fly without the plane.
—Charles Lindbergh (1902–74) American Aviator, Explorer, Inventor, Social Activist
Whatever you do, do it with all your might. Work at it, early and late, in season and out of season, not leaving a stone unturned, and never deferring for a single hour that which can be done just as well now.
—P. T. Barnum (1810–91) American Businessperson, Entertainer
We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all that we need to make us really happy is something to be enthusiastic about.
—Charles Kingsley (1819–75) English Clergyman, Academic, Historian, Novelist